Transfers at Louisville and USC are impressing

QB Jack Plummer – Louisville (Cal)

The skinny: Since his arrival at Louisville from Purdue, head coach Jeff Brohm made the transfer portal a priority. Arguably his most important addition was Plummer, who started his collegiate career at Purdue before playing last season at Cal. Now reunited with Brohm, Plummer’s experience and knowledge of the offense, which has been showcased during the spring and summer, has made him vital to the Cardinals success this fall.

QB Graham Mertz – Florida (Wisconsin)

The skinny: Mertz’s time at Wisconsin started off with a great deal of fanfare but was never able to reach expectations after that. A move to Florida was made in hopes of rejuvenating his collegiate career, and thus far early reviews from Gainesville have been positive. He has shown consistent accuracy, an impressive grasp of the offense and leadership. Questions will linger into the season regarding his ability to throw the deep ball, but for the time being the Gators, who named Mertz their starter on Saturday, are happy with what they have seen from their new quarterback.

Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) scrambles with the ball during the second half during the Florida Gators Orange and Blue Spring Game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

RB Aidan Robbins – BYU (UNLV)

The skinny: After transferring from Louisville to UNLV, Robbins enjoyed his best collegiate season in 2022 with 1,009 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. Deciding to return to the P5 level at BYU, Robbins arrived in time for spring practice but due to off-season wrist surgery, it was only in a non-contact capacity. Now fully healthy, he has quickly showcased his game breaking ability, while also proving to be a valuable pass receiving option for the Cougars. Look for Robbins to become a vital part of the offense this season.

DB Zamari Walton – Ole Miss (Georgia Tech)

The skinny: As with Roland-Wallace, Walton brings a level of defensive versatility to his new team that has everyone in Oxford excited. On top of that, his experience has introduced a needed aspect of leadership to the Rebels secondary this off-season. Through the early part of camp, Walton has positioned himself as a likely starter at cornerback in new defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s unit. This would plug a hole which was a huge priority during the off-season.

Red team cornerback Zamari Walton (6) bats down a pass thrown to Navy wide receiver Brandon Buckhalter (89) during Ole Miss Grove Bowl at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

DB Christian Roland-Wallace – USC (Arizona)

The skinny: While Roland-Wallace is one of three Wildcats who transferred to the Trojans during the off-season, joining Dorian Singer and Kyon Barrs, he may end up being the one who proves the most valuable during the 2023 season. Despite a late start, after missing most of spring practice with an injury, his versatility has been on display this summer. He has quickly made an impression with the coaching staff while seamlessly moving between cornerback and safety, which will surely make him an invaluable part of the defense this season.